Good Tape launches global Names campaign to honor and protect journalists

Good Tape has launched a global “Names” campaign and a new micro-grant for independent journalists as press-freedom deaths hit record levels. The Copenhagen AI transcription company says the effort is meant to support frontline media workers’ safety, mental health and professional independence. Why it matters: - Press freedom is under severe strain as journalist killings reach record levels. - Good Tape is trying to expand its role beyond transcription and position itself as a supporter of frontline media workers. - The campaign combines public awareness with direct financial support for independent journalists. What happened: - Good Tape launched its global “Names” campaign on June 16, 2026. - The Copenhagen-based AI scale-up introduced the initiative alongside war correspondent and author Nagieb Khaja. - Good Tape also introduced the Good Tape Grant, a micro-funding program for independent journalists and storytellers. - The grant offers up to €500 per recipient. - Good Tape says grant recipients may also have their work published on the company’s homepage. - The company’s homepage is described as reaching millions of visitors worldwide. The details: - The campaign is tied to the 2026 World Press Freedom Day theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security.” - Good Tape says the “Names” campaign marks a shift from being a transcription utility to supporting journalists’ physical safety, mental health and professional integrity. - The company released an 8.5-minute video tribute on YouTube and other social channels. - In the video, Good Tape CEO and co-founder Lasse Finderup and Nagieb Khaja read the names of journalists killed in the line of duty since 2025. - Good Tape cited Committee to Protect Journalists data showing 129 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2025. - Good Tape said more than 140 deaths had been recorded since 2025 began by mid-2026. - The company described that pace as the second consecutive year of record press deaths in modern history. - Good Tape was founded in 2022. - The company says it has 2.97 million users worldwide and has transcribed more than 14 million files. - Good Tape says its product is known for security, accuracy and a user-friendly interface. - Nagieb Khaja is an award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker and author with more than 20 years of frontline reporting experience in places including Afghanistan and Syria. - Khaja’s work has appeared on BBC, Al Jazeera and The Guardian. - The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent nonprofit that promotes press freedom and defends journalists’ rights to report safely. Between the lines: - Good Tape is using a memorial-style campaign to tie its brand to press-freedom advocacy. - The company is also signaling that AI-era media tools can support journalists beyond software alone. - The grant and the tribute video give the campaign a practical and emotional angle. - Lasse Finderup framed the effort as a duty to protect journalists who risk their lives to report the news. - Nagieb Khaja framed the project as a reminder that each killed journalist leaves behind family and unfinished work. What’s next: - Good Tape says “Names” is the start of a broader evolution into a “Good Brand.” - The company plans to keep advocating for journalists’ mental health and job protection in the age of AI. - The Good Tape Grant will serve as an ongoing support channel for independent reporters and storytellers. - The campaign is likely to continue across Good Tape’s digital channels as part of its public-facing advocacy. The bottom line: - Good Tape is turning a transcription brand into a press-freedom platform, pairing awareness with small-scale funding as journalist deaths continue to rise.